After acquittal, Maya Kodnani says no bigger court than conscience
What's the story
Former Gujarat Minister Maya Kodnani, who was acquitted Friday in the Naroda Patiya massacre case that killed 97 people, said it was God's way of testing her. In an interview to Hindustan Times, Kodnani said there was no bigger court than conscience, and truth has prevailed in the end. On hearing the verdict, Kodnani wept 'tears of joy', she said.
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I did not do anything wrong: Maya Kodnani
"The truth had prevailed. There is no bigger court than the conscience, and my conscience was clear that I did not anything wrong. I visited a few temples, performed pooja, and paid respects to my gurus," said Maya Kodnani.
Details
Gynecologist by profession, Kodnani was mentored by LK Advani
A gynecologist by profession, Maya Kodnani served as Minister of State for Women and Child Development from 2007 to 2009. From a municipal corporator in Ahmedabad to an MLA, Kodnani's rise can be credited to her mentor LK Advani. Upon acquittal, she said she'll continue to work as a BJP 'karyakarta', and thanked the party for giving 'moral support' during the trial.
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SIT court had sentenced Maya Kodnani to 28 years prison
In 2012, a special SIT court had sentenced Kodnani to 28 years in prison for the riots. Overturning the verdict, the Gujarat High Court said none of the riot witnesses could recall Kodnani's car's number. "No investigation has been carried out by the SIT to ascertain whether Kodnani owned or was using any such vehicle at the relevant time," said the court.
Victims
Upset with verdict, victims' families plan to approach SC
The acquittal of Kodnani, a former BJP leader who called the massacre of mostly women and children deplorable, has left families of victims upset. 66-year old Fatimabibi Yusufbhai Shaikh, who lost 19 family members, said, "This is gross injustice...one court finds her (Kodnani) guilty, while the higher court acquits her." The devastated families now plan to approach the Supreme Court.